NYPD detective under investigation after viral pole-dancing music video
A New York City detective assigned to the NYPD's Special Victims Unit is under fire after appearing in a provocative pole-dancing scene in a rap music video that has since gone viral.
Detective Melissa Mercado, who has been with the force since 2018, can be seen wearing a thong and skimpy bra while dancing in rapper S-Quire's 'Doin That' music video. The video, which was published by World Hip Hop, has sparked intense debate both within law enforcement circles and on social media.
One of Mercado's fellow officers reacted with disbelief, telling The Post, 'I have no words.' Others within the NYPD questioned whether her actions reflected poorly on the department, while some defended her right to do what she wants off duty.
Social media users have been quick to weigh in on the controversy, with reactions pouring in on X. 'Should arrest that rapper for making terrible music,' one user wrote.
Should arrest that rapper for making terrible music — 007 (@profeshnalh8ter) March 6, 2025
Another criticized the detective's conduct, stating, 'You lose all credibility and make the department look bad when you engage in public degenerate behavior. People really want to do whatever they want and never deal with the consequences.'
You lose all credibility and make the department look bad when you engage in public degenerate behavior.
People really want to do whatever they want and never deal with the consequences.
— The Great Game (@PowerSocialLife) March 6, 2025
Others joked about the situation, with one person commenting, 'Detective to stripper pipeline has begun.' Another added, 'Not a good look for an NYPD detective, gotta keep it professional at all times.'
Detective to stripper pipeline has begun 😭 — Keshan Naidoo (@KeshanNaidoo3) March 6, 2025
Not a good look for an NYPD detective, gotta keep it professional at all times — SUAREZ (@suayrez) March 6, 2025
While Mercado is not named in the video, law enforcement sources confirmed her identity. Despite the backlash, some within the department argue that Mercado did not violate any rules, as she was not seen wearing NYPD paraphernalia or identifying herself as a police officer.
A police union source noted that if Mercado was earning money from her appearance, she would have been required to file an off-duty employment application with the department.
Retired NYPD Special Victims Division Chief Michael Osgood weighed in on the matter, calling Mercado's appearance 'unbecoming of a police officer.' 'There's a line of thinking that what you do off duty is your business, but I think this conduct is morally wrong if you're a special victims detective,' Osgood said.
It remains unclear whether Mercado will face disciplinary action for her role in the video. The NYPD has yet to issue an official response, and Mercado has not publicly addressed the controversy.
This isn't the first time an NYPD officer has been caught in a viral scandal. In 2022, rookie officer Vera Mekuli made headlines after giving a married lieutenant a lap dance at a department holiday party, leading to her reassignment. Other officers have also faced disciplinary action for engaging in inappropriate behavior while in uniform.
As public scrutiny mounts, the department is expected to review the situation and determine whether Mercado's actions warrant any internal consequences.
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